Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka was denied a potential winner against Fulham after VAR deemed that there was an offside in the build-up to the goal - as the Gunners missed an opportunity to gain maximum ground on Liverpool.
Coming into the game, the North Londoners had the chance to cut the deficit at the top of the Premier League to just four points. Following the postponement of the Merseyside Derby a day earlier, Mikel Arteta's outfit knew that a win against Fulham would put pressure on pace-setters Liverpool - albeit having played a game more.
However, they missed their opportunity to grab a crucial three points in the title race as they were held to a 1-1 stalemate against their cross-city rivals. The result was mired in controversy as winger Saka appeared to have earned his side the win with a goal in the 88th minute - before the officials intervened to chalk off the strike.
Confirming why VAR decided to oveturn the winner, the Premier League Match Centre posted on Twitter/X: "Saka’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed."
As their statement alludes, Gabriel Martinelli had strayed offside in the lead up to the goal on closer inspection, prior to his cross into the box. The Brazilian had received the ball on the left-hand side of the field, before standing the ball up with a perfect lofted pass for teammate Saka.
Rushing in at the back post, the England international was able to get on the end of the sumptuous ball, nodding his effort home from close range. Peeling away in celebration, his would-be winner sparked rapturous celebrations in the Arsenal away end as it looked as though victory had been secured.
Bukayo Saka's goal for Arsenal was eventually deemed to have been offside following a VAR review against Fulham
Bukayo Saka's goal for Arsenal was eventually deemed to have been offside following a VAR review against Fulham (Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Those jubilant scenes were ultimately cut short after officials decided to check the legality of the goal via VAR. From there, it was adjudged that the strike could not stand as Martinelli was seen to have just strayed beyond Fulham's last outfield player as he received the ball in the build up.
Following on from this Arteta's side was unable to rally, meaning that the Gunners ended proceedings sat six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool in second place. With the Reds also boasting a game in hand, they can now go nine points clear when they eventually fulfil that fixture.
The Gunners had also been denied a goal due to an offside earlier the game against Fulham, with William Saliba having scored in to 52nd minute with the proceedings at 1-1. However, it was deemed that the French defender had been offside in the build-up to that strike as officials ruled it out.
Arsenal will face Monaco in the Champions League in midweek before hosting Everton in the Premier League next weekend.